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| CONTACT: | Cari Feiler Bender | (610) 416-1216 | cari@reliefcomm.com |
PA GOVERNOR EDWARD
G. RENDELL ANNOUNCES NEW PHILADELPHIA HERITAGE PROJECT
New
Initiative to Broaden Independence Mall and the Historic District
PHILADELPHIA, September 28, 2004 – Storytelling, a revitalized Franklin Square, and the Benstitute are the newest projects on the horizon for Philadelphia’s Independence Mall and its surrounding area. The Philadelphia Heritage Project plan was announced today by Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell and Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
To jumpstart capital costs, Governor Rendell today announced a commitment of a $5 million matching grant. “This project will give residents and visitors alike yet another wonderful way to enjoy Independence Mall and the historic area of Philadelphia,” declared Governor Rendell. “Tourism is the second largest economic engine in the Commonwealth, and with the improvements to Franklin Square we can continue to attract not only visitors, but economic growth to our beloved historic attractions.”
Philadelphia Heritage Project Executive Director Amy Needle and renowned exhibit designer Ralph Appelbaum presented the plans to hospitality and community leaders today at the Free Quaker Meeting House. Appelbaum, known for exhibit designs at the National Constitution Center and the National Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., developed the concept and schematics.
The goal of the Philadelphia Heritage Project is to create an annual summer-long celebration around Independence Mall and to extend visits to the Greater Philadelphia region. The Philadelphia Heritage Project will bring the Historic District to life through storytelling, family activities, and tours while thematically connecting daytime and nighttime attractions. It will open Memorial Day Weekend, May 2005, and continue through Labor Day each summer, with future expansion plans over the next several years.
The Philadelphia Heritage Project comprises four major elements:
Storytellers
will be
stationed at key historic sites throughout Old City. Many of the locations
will feature hand-crafted benches with an historical icon to engage and
educate visitors with lively, authentic stories. In addition to these creative
daytime locations, occasional evening storytelling will further capture
audiences at special performances in unique venues.
The Benstitute.
It’s time
Benjamin Franklin opened another school in Philadelphia. The Benstitute will
train storytellers for the project. First class begins spring 2005.
Heritage Fair at
Franklin Square
reclaims one of
William Penn’s original five squares. Visitors will enjoy a brand-new
playground, the Liberty Carousel, a Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course,
crafters, performers, and storytellers.
A fundraising campaign of $10 million, including endowment funds, is already underway. Throughout the next year, the Philadelphia Heritage Project will continue to seek corporate, foundation and private support to meet this financial goal.
Governor Rendell also announced the first corporate partner making a substantial commitment to this unique Philadelphia celebration. Citizens Bank is the first major corporate sponsor to embrace this endeavor.
This project is being developed in partnership with the Independence National Historical Park, the Fairmount Park Commission, the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC).
The Philadelphia Heritage Project is an initiative of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (HPI). Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded in 1994 by executive order of then-Mayor Edward G. Rendell. HPI works closely with historic district stakeholders and the hospitality community to continue to build Philadelphia’s tourism industry into an engine for economic growth. The Philadelphia Heritage Project will profoundly impact residents in the surrounding neighborhoods and enhance the tourist experience in Philadelphia with the revitalization of Franklin Square. Through interpretation, interactive experiences, and Heritage Adventure Tours, the Philadelphia Heritage Project will also educate the visitor and make our Nation’s history relevant to everyone’s everyday lives.
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The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC), Philadelphia's regional tourism marketing agency, is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to building the region's economy and positive image through tourism and destination marketing. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, call the new Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676, or visit www.gophila.com. For information about arts and cultural attractions in the region, click on the CultureFiles link.
Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit the photo gallery of
gophila.com/pressroom.
